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[uknsaunders]

Cook choosing to bowl first didn't help (in hindsight).

[Aussie In England]

Superb victory for the Black Caps. Positive and dynamic style of play. Throughly deserved victory. Why on Earth is this a 2 match series? When India got a 5 a Test series last year. Beggars belief.

Credit to Luke Ronchi, maybe Aussies consider him a traitor, but he waited his whole life to play Test cricket and he grabbed his chance with both hands. It's even possible that he might never play another Test.

BJ Watling was outstanding in the whole series. Almost goes under the radar in a side of dashers and smashers.

For England Alastair Cook was outstanding. But is he back to his absolute best? I don't think so. But he's working hard to get there.

But a few mega concerns ahead of the Ashes. Bell, Ballance and Ali need to buck up their ideas.

[ppccopener]

I think the aussies are favourites even away from home,they look stronger than us in most departments.
Yes our top order looks a bit fragile,there will be some thinking KP could still fit in somewhere in the series....
Personally im backing Bell to come good,ballance im not so sure about against quality bowling
And australia have quality

[procricket]

Good test best side won this one can't argue with that.

[potzy248]

You bet your life same with the Aussie I see a frail batting line up when world class swig bowling is at them.

Williamson aside there batting should not be feared bit like Australia too.

It's not a quick fix for me I have said Long time ago I expect us to smash New Zealand and take the ashes just about.

This is based on a number of factors I was told I was smoking drugs by one big mouth member but honestly what's to fear two very suspect batting line ups. We know what our bowlers will do in England I have every hope

There be down day no doubt but sometimes when you corner people as a group they become stronger

 

Thank you BlackCaps, I love you.

[joeljonno]

I think that at times, England showed real quality, but it was so sporadic.  The New Zealand team know their roles well, play to their plans and always look to take the game to England. When England did the same, they were as good but it was only for the occasional session.

It was nice for Lyth to get some runs in this test.  He deserves a shot and a decent few matches.  I'd say as long as he does ok vs Australia, he'll be opening through the winter too.

When both teams played to their potential, they were very evenly matched.  Both teams lacked a real quality spinner though.

[procricket]

Thank you BlackCaps, I love you.

But lets be honest you thought you would roll us fair result in the end and agree would love a 5 test series,

[Disco]

There'll be some good cricket in the Ashes but it won't be played in anything like the same spirit as this one, certainly not with Johnson, Haddin and Warner about. New Zealand play the game how it should be, a credit to the sport and their skipper.

[Buzz]

Imagine how good the Kiwi team would have been with a proper warm up for some of their senior players...

[Phoenix]

There'll be some good cricket in the Ashes but it won't be played in anything like the same spirit as this one, certainly not with Johnson, Haddin and Warner about. New Zealand play the game how it should be, a credit to the sport and their skipper.

I'm inclined to agree. Although I'm sure the aussies will be getting as good as they give 

[skip1973]

There'll be some good cricket in the Ashes but it won't be played in anything like the same spirit as this one, certainly not with Johnson, Haddin and Warner about. New Zealand play the game how it should be, a credit to the sport and their skipper.

How do England play it?

[WalkingWicket37]

How do England play it?

Badly! 

[procricket]

You bet your life same with the Aussie I see a frail batting line up when world class swig bowling is at them.

Williamson aside there batting should not be feared bit like Australia too.

It's not a quick fix for me I have said Long time ago I expect us to smash New Zealand and take the ashes just about.

This is based on a number of factors I was told I was smoking drugs by one big mouth member but honestly what's to fear two very suspect batting line ups. We know what our bowlers will do in England I have every hope

There be down day no doubt but sometimes when you corner people as a group they become stronger

My prediction is looking good so far long way to go but overall series wins against New Zealand and a great start and yes it a start sometimes like in battle you have to have faith

[potzy248]

My prediction is looking good so far long way to go but overall series wins against New Zealand and a great start and yes it a start sometimes like in battle you have to have faith

Haha, digging this up again. "Overall" series win now?

Bloody well played England though, Always great to smash the Aussies.

[procricket]

Not so much you pal but somepeople thought I was crazy backing ENGLAND infact so many did. The sky poll on the verdict was at 90 per cent ENGLAND will snatch the ashes back I still think it will be touch and go.

As I said before having you guys here was a real bonus as it made us play in a postitive note a different way.

We all know cricket it is a great leveller and I'm not saying ENGLAND are anything just I beleive we have some great players and whilst many doubted our quality I never did.